Ms THEOPHANOUS (Northcote): For some people in my electorate the Fogolar Furlan Club is something hidden down near the Darebin Creek away from the thoroughfares, out of sight and out of mind. But its location in Thornbury belies the impact it has on the Italian community in my community and well beyond the boundaries of the Northcote electorate. My community is blessed to have a strong and vibrant Italian population who bring so much to the tapestry of cultures and communities that I have the honour to represent. Indeed the Northcote electorate is home to almost 7000 people with Italian ancestry and almost 3000 speak Italian at home. The life of the Fogolar Furlan Club is lived through and is a reflection of its members. The club is a meeting place for all from the Friuli region. It has been a home away from home. It has maintained the traditions, culture and unique language of their origins. I am informed that the word 'fogolar’ actually means 'intimate fireplace’, and what better setting for the club’s 62nd anniversary celebration dinner a couple of weeks ago on a cold July evening. I want to extend my warmest congratulations to club president Mr Peter Muzzolino and all the members of the club and community who celebrated that night. I believe our multicultural communities, both the younger and the older generations, should be supported, and I look forward to many more years of celebration with the local Italian community in the electorate of Northcote.
